In this week's blog we look at how the Tribute performs for a family that is considering entering the motorhome market. We took the "Diaz" family, Mum Reina, Dad Tomas, Son Leo (11) and Daughter Sol (8) to Camp Bestival in Dorset for 4 days of family festival fun.

These two luxury ranges sit atop the Swift touring caravan collection, offering even more finesse than the Swift Conqueror and Sterling Elite ranges.

As if this wasn't enough, Swift installed two special edition one-off caravans on their stand to draw the punters in: a gold liveried Elegance on a mirrored dais and a deconstructed Continental to show the innards of this cunning new construction system.

These two concept vehicles sat alongside four layouts in each range, with bold new graphics and a striking curved front end profile.

Hi-Tech materials

Swift fans will already be familiar with Smart Construction, the timberless manufacturing process that the company introduced last summer, but Smart HT takes this principle to the next level.

The HT stands for High-Tech and brings an automotive level of precision to the build process, as well as some truly pioneering materials.

The all-new shape is made possible by SRIM panels in each corner, which are injection moulded to ensure smooth lines and no water entry points.

What's more, the intersection of the walls and roof features aluminium cant rails and cold bridge technology to eliminate any condensation on the GRP walls.

Finally, this is all bolted to a pioneering new five-layer sandwich-construction floor, which is patent pending.

Swift claims that these changes will make their two new ranges stronger and more resilient to the elements than ever before, while reduce the drag co-efficient by 18%, which in turn should lead to lower mpg while towing.

Luxury touches

As well as being the only Swift ranges to feature Smart HT, the Continental and Elegance feature a whole host of premium goodies as well.

This look is backed up by a sumptuous interior, featuring high-gloss lockers, chrome trim and modern design flourishes, particularly in the Sterling Continental, which resembles an executive saloon in its styling.

But it's the subtle touches that show how well thought through these ranges have been, with a spirit level embedded in the front chest, so you can level up with ease.

Elsewhere, all the luxury touches are present and correct, including Duvalay memory foam mattresses, dual fuel hobs, and Alde central heating, which has been improved by the fitment of moulded heating channels.

And the clever new construction system frees up an extra 106mm of space, which is used to create more front lounge space in some models, while others have been trimmed to save weight.

Layouts, weights and prices

At launch, Swift will be offering the Elegance and Continental with four layouts apiece, mirrored across the two collections.

For couples the 480 model offers a classic two-berth layout, with a truly palatial front lounge, an offside kitchen and a full-width rear washroom.

The 570 offers the UK's most popular layout, with a fixed double bed in the centre, mounted lengthways to the nearside wall.

The range is completed by a pair of transverse island bed layouts, available on a single-axle (580) or twin-axle (645), which allows for a full-height fridge/freezer to be fitted.

To see full weights and prices of the Swift Elegance and Sterling Continental ranges, click here

For full video coverage of both of these ranges, keep checking back with CaravanTimes. In the meantime, click on the slideshow below for a closer look at the Swift Elegance and Sterling Continental:

The best part about taking your holidays at home here in the UK is the sheer amount you can do with just a short drive from your front door. This past weekend I took advantage of the Caravan and Motorhome Club's Experience Freedom brand and spent the weekend in a yurt.

Life can be, at times, quite stressful. Whether it be something as simple as getting a tad stressed by something at work or even something more serious like issues with a friend or loved one. No matter how small it is these things can cause a dip in your mental health. So to help raise awareness of mental health, it is Mental Health Awareness Week after all, we want to provide some tips to keep calm and relaxed.

There was a time when I had a 1997 Renault Clio, this was in 2006, no electric windows, no power steering, tape deck radio and no air conditioning. Now I am a little bit older and cars are a lot more advanced, and i am not in college, there are certain fittings and fixtures that I couldn't do without. The main one being air conditioning. Something that is becoming a lot more popular as an aftermarket fitting for caravans and motorhomes for a multitude of reasons.

Last year we were part of the judging panel for the Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar Of The Year Awards. During the testing we were totally blown away by the Volvo XC60 and were delighted that our marks went towards the vote that named this Volvo "The Towcar Of The Year". Now we get the chance to get our hands on one and give a real lift test.